Beloved Italian singer-songwriter Pino Daniele, famous for his mix of native Neapolitan music with jazz and blues, has passed away

ino Daniele, one of Italy’s most famous singer-songwriters, has died of a heart attack at the age of 59. Daniele, who emerged with the album Terra Mia in 1977 and recorded 26 studio albums over the course of his career, is most famous for his fusion of the musical traditions of his home town, Naples, with jazz and blues.

The self-taught guitarist, known for his husky, seductive voice, was born in Naples’ notoriously dangerous, crime-riddled Sanita district in 1955. He often mixed the Neapolitan dialect with Italian and English in his songs, which frequently centred around themes of poverty and injustice. Over the years he collaborated with the likes of Chick Corea, Richie Havens and renowned saxophonist Mel Collins.

The Mayor of Naples, Luigi de Magistris, commanded that flags on city buildings were flow at half-mast today as a sign of mourning. Daniele is survived by his wife and five children.